Australia's premier travel event coming to Western Australia for first time

7/4/04
Perth will host the Australian travel industry's main trade event, the Australian Tourism Exchange, for the first time in June 2005, Tourism Minister Bob Kucera announced today.
The Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) is the most prestigious tourism trade show held in Australia and the third largest event of its type in the world.
"This is a major coup for our State as this will be the first time it has been held outside of the Eastern States in the event's 19-year history," Mr Kucera said.
"Delegate expenditure and increased tourism business is expected to generate around $10million for Western Australia.
"ATE 2005 is expected to attract 2,500 delegates and be a key event for the new Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre."
The Minister said recent research on the value of tourism to WA by Access Economics had demonstrated that the direct and indirect contribution of tourism in WA totalled $3.6billion in 2001-02.
"The tourism industry also generates jobs, with 54,000 people in WA directly employed in the industry and another 18,000 indirectly employed in tourism," he said.
ATE is managed by the Australian Tourist Commission and provides a forum for Australian tourism companies to showcase their product and negotiate business with key international travel wholesalers, generating export income for local industry operators.
"Perth and regional WA are set to benefit with significant numbers of delegates expected to travel to various locations around the State," Mr Kucera said.
"WA is really cementing its place as one of Australia's tourism industry leaders.
"In 2003 we hosted the Australian Tourism Export Council Symposium and WA tourism businesses and attractions recently took out eight of the 28 prestigious Australian Tourism Awards, also held here in WA.
"Hosting Australian Tourism Exchange 2005 continues our role as a key player in the Australian tourism industry."
Minister's office: 9213 7000